Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture
What kind of artists come to mind when you hear “artists from Osaka”? Not only those who speak in the Osaka dialect—there are actually many artists from Osaka who usually speak standard Japanese as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of bands and singer-songwriters from Osaka all at once.
We’ve picked artists across genres and generations—from those whose Osaka roots are widely known to those whose hometown isn’t as well recognized—so please take a look.
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- Masculine Allure: Artists and Bands with Husky Voices
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- A must-see for Gen Z men! Easy-to-sing songs by male artists for karaoke
- From cute to cool: iconic and recommended songs from uniquely individual girl bands
- [2026] A roundup of artists, singers, and bands from Hyogo Prefecture
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Songs by Yoshimi Tendo, the songstress born in Osaka, that are easy to sing
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture (1–10)
Walking with youNovelbright
A five-member rock band from the Kansai region whose name carries the meaning “a new radiance.” The high-tone vocals of lead singer Yudai Takenaka suit both rock tunes and ballads perfectly, and although they only made their major debut in 2020 and are still a young band, their talent has been drawing attention.
During their indie days, they notably used modern, aggressive promotional tactics—such as uploading videos of their own street performances to social media while pretending to be third parties to spark buzz.
They are a skilled rock band that embodies a new era in the J-pop scene.
SMILYOtsuka Ai
Singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, known for her hit “Sakuranbo,” began writing songs at 15, performed in a duo, and made her major debut in 2003 with “Momo no Hanabira.” She also showcases her multifaceted talent in visual art—something she’s loved since childhood—by creating cover artwork and picture books.
Her playful spirit shows in tour titles that often use puns.
Alongside her poppy, cute tunes, I think her appeal also lies in songs with nostalgic, delicate imagery.
Her music spans a wide range without being confined to a single mold, so please explore and enjoy her many tracks!
I believeayaka
Ayaka, the singer-songwriter famous for the ballad “Mikazuki,” which captures the bittersweet feelings of a long-distance romance, has loved singing since childhood and grew up immersed in a wide range of music.
After training at the music school Voice—which also produced artists like YUI and Leo Ieiri—she made her major debut in 2006 with “I believe.” While she initially emphasized a powerful style, around the time before her hiatus her work increasingly featured songs like “Minna Sora no Shita” and “Nijiiro,” which showcase her signature gentle, warming atmosphere.
The worldview of her songs, which cherish human connection, along with her assured vocal prowess, somehow resonates deeply when you’re feeling lonely—and makes you long for Ayaka’s music itself.
Recommended Bands, Singers, and Artists from Osaka Prefecture (11–20)
Don’t disappear.Aina ji Endo
Aina The End, who is active in the group BiSH—a band that’s popular as a “punk band without instruments”—is also an artist from Osaka Prefecture.
In addition to her work with the group, she also performs as a solo artist.
Her biggest draw is undoubtedly her husky singing voice that you can recognize the moment you hear it.
Even among the group, her distinct vocals stand out, and you can savor them even more in her solo tracks.
Having danced since her school days, she also showcases her diverse talents by handling choreography for BiSH.
Bloom with a pop, scatter, and turn to ashR shitei
R-Shitei from the hugely popular hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts hails from Sakai City in Osaka Prefecture.
Known for his freestyle prowess—three consecutive UMB freestyle battle championships and appearances on the TV show “Freestyle Dungeon”—he drew major attention from the scene.
In 2015, he formed Creepy Nuts and grew in popularity, and today he’s become a standout artist whose work reaches even listeners who don’t usually listen to hip-hop.
rainbowSuda Masaki
While thriving as an actor, Masaki Suda—who is also pursuing a full-fledged career as a singer—hails from Minoh City in Osaka.
He began his music career in 2017 with “Mi ta koto mo nai keshiki” (A Scenery I’ve Never Seen), which played in an au commercial he appeared in, and he has continued to release songs in quick succession since then.
Nearly all of his tracks have become hits, and it’s likely that few people haven’t heard them.
Beyond the hit singles, there are also wonderful songs on his albums, so please take a listen to Suda’s gently warming voice.
Gotta BeYoshinori Shomon, Ken Kojima
Masakado Yoshinori and Kojima Ken, members of the Aぇ! group, possess the unique charm and diverse talents nurtured by Kansai culture.
Since their formation in 2019, they have showcased a wide range of performances—not only singing and dancing but also full band sets.
In May 2024, they made their CD debut, drawing significant attention.
Their careers in entertainment began in 2011: Masakado Yoshinori has been highly praised for his role in a serialized TV drama, while Kojima Ken has received acclaim for his leading performance in a drama series.
On their album “D.N.A,” they present a variety of tracks, from energetic band sounds to disco-inspired numbers.
With Masakado on guitar and Kojima on keyboards, and their approachable, Kansai-style personalities, they continue to captivate many fans through both music and variety programming.